Picture: Dana & Stephane MAITEC

Jewelry brand Stéfère has announced new additions to its popular Snake Collection, which includes famed designs previously featured on Vogue Portugal and Taylor Swift’s recent concert poster. The iconic serpent motif is now boldly iterated in the form of drop earrings, exploring colors, gold variations, movement and textures made possible by new bezel-setting technology.

Thanks to the articulated mechanism developed for this line, the skillfully created earrings gently swing with the wearer’s every movement. Taking cues from the animal’s natural rhythms and fluidity, the tail part is composed of a line of jewels interlinked in a redefined illusion bezel setting. Each piece of hand-picked gemstone is framed with a continuous rim of gold and then joined together by hidden hooks. Although visually the sparkly dots are mounted upon one other tightly, the precision in craftmanship allows them to be incredibly flexible.

Snake motifs are one of the earliest historical and culturally diverse mythological symbols, representing a host of meanings in different countries and civilizations. Corina Larpin, the designer and director of Stéfère, constantly works on expanding the Snake Collection, taking inspiration from everywhere she travels.

Larpin has led Stéfère into the world of e-commerce in the previous years, launching her butterfly collection on SaksFifthAvenue.com in 2020 and a selection of bold colors on BergdorfGoodman.com in 2021. Currently, the distinctive creations of Stéfère are also offered at Farfetch and Maxfield LA.

Larpin and Stéfère have been designing collections that blend classic yet contemporary pieces with rock and glamour elements since 2006. The brand has paved its way to make a presence on magazine covers, at prominent red-carpet events and in some of the highest-profile stores in the world. The brand is trending among A-list celebrities and Hollywood stars, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Adele, Cher, Janet Jackson, Khloe Kardashian, Taylor Swift and many more.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Exclusive details on how the actress and on-camera host selected her one-of-a-kind look.

Category is: red! To gear up for E! red carpet hosting duties at the 2024 Grammys, Laverne Cox put her own unexpected spin on the fire-hot color trend in a head-turning vintage Comme des Garçons look plucked directly from her legendary fashion archive. “Is my archive now legendary?” Cox jokes. “Yes, I own this dress. I’m deeply humbled to be able to enjoy this dress as a work of art whenever I want. Whenever I wear Comme, I feel like I’m wearing living, breathing art. The drama of this silhouette is a fashion fantasy come to life for me.”

Cox knows how to step into the fantasy, darling, but it takes a village. For Music’s Biggest Night, her dream team included stylist Christina Pacelli, makeup artist Deja Smith, hairstylist Dee TrannyBear-Marino, and nail artist Eri Ishizu. Oh, and Beyoncé… lots of Beyoncé! When asked what’s on her getting-ready playlist, Cox says, “Renaissance still.” Can you blame her? Other music that makes her feel camera-ready includes Tyla’s “Water,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss,” Sarah Vaughan’s Gershwin Live!, and Leontyne Price’s The Prima Donna Collection, all volumes.

But back to the fashion. “Laverne has incredible taste,” Pacelli says. “Her style is effortlessly cool, edgy, architectural, and sometimes flirts with the avant garde. She follows four guiding rules of fashion: fit, fabric, proportion, and silhouette. Laverne never misses.” Certainly, the Comme dress was no miss, deliciously styled with a vintage Christian Dior belt and jewelry from Stefere and U Los Angeles.

Below, more details on how Cox’s captivating look—hair and makeup included—came together, alongside gorgeous, exclusive photographs by Sequoia Emmanuelle.

The Comme des Garçons Dress

Picture: SEQUOIA EMMANUELLE

Cox: “I acquired the dress a few years ago. I’ve worn it once for a shoot but always felt it needed a major red carpet moment. I love Comme des Garcons. I’m obsessed with structure and sculptural silhouettes. And there’s just so much emotion in this entire collection from Rei [Kawakubo], and so much emotion in this dress.”

Her Getting-Ready Ritual

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Cox: “My prayer, ‘God give me permission to do this imperfectly and allow me to be of service.’”

Her Love for Rei Kawakubo

Cox: “There’s a sort of punk-rock approach to dressing that Rei embodies. She’s avant-garde and sublime at the same time. I love her occasional humor and whimsy. I’m obsessed with the way Rei grapples with the silhouette and the body — the lumps and bumps collection comes to mind. And there’s just always so much emotion in the work. I always feel [for] an almost tortured artist, deconstructing, throwing out the rules, creating new ones, then abandoning those to bring forth objects that more than anything dramatize the contradictions, angst, darkness, and broken sublimeness and beauty of the human condition.”

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

The Performances She Was Most Excited to See

Cox: “A tie between Dua Lipa’s ‘Dance the Night Away’ and Victoria Monet’s ‘On My Mama.’”

Her Beauty Routine

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Cox: “I wash my face in the morning and use a light moisturizer and eye cream. I love La Mer Eye Concentrate and Joanna Vargas’s Daily Hydrating Cream. Then, my makeup artist Deja [Smith] has a comprehensive plan. We start with a face mask from Joanna Vargas before she applies moisturizers, eye creams, and patches. It’s her own witch craft. But I end up with impossibly glowy skin. 

[My hairstylist] Dee [TrannyBear-Marino] washes my hair the day before. Then, I’ll sleep in a plastic cap with a leave-in conditioner. Dee will wash out that leave-in the morning of the show and commence to styling the hair. I do wear wigs and hair pieces, but we’re using more of my own hair lately. It’s dyed a honey blonde with highlights now, so Dee is constantly doing treatments to protect, preserve, and thicken my follicles, especially since the hair has been lightened without bleach, I might add. I believe Dee truly does some of the best hair color in the business.”

The Beauty Breakdown

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Smith: “For this year’s Grammy look we referenced the stripped down [Comme des Garçons 2015] Roses and Blood collection [that the gown is from], and created a glamorous red carpet-ready beauty look. We blended Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick in 400 and 401 for Laverne’s dimensional red lip. Her blush was Pat McGrath Labs’s Divine Blush in Electric Bloom and Nude Nectar.”

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

The Hair Details

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

TrannyBear-Marino: “The inspiration for the hairstyle was a texture braided updo. Since the dress is more on the avant-garde side and the runway show had over-the-top, textured hair, we went for romantic beauty to balance the look. I used JVN Complete Serum and Mist to prepare her hair for the blowout; Pattern Heat Protectant to flat-iron and crimp her hair; Design Essentials Edge Tamer to lay her edges; and Lanza Lustrous Finishing Spray to lock the style in place.”

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Her Awards-Day Fuel

Cox: ”I love oatmeal and bacon in the morning. The oatmeal carries me through beautifully.”

Her Message for LGBTQ+ Fans

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Cox: “You’re beautiful and anointed and placed on this planet for a reason. Right now, politicians are passing laws to degrade and dehumanize us, but our ancestors gave a blueprint for struggle. The best of our ancestors found ways to maintain their dignity, joy, and be true love warriors for the world in the face of unspeakable hate.  

In these moments we must draw from their strength, wisdom and guidance, refuse to let our lights be dimmed, refuse to retreat into shame and fear. Your worthiness is a birthright. Don’t let anyone keep you from claiming it. You’re worthy of love, belonging, of living truthfully.”

Picture: SAUL LOPEZ

Her Post-Grammys Plan

Cox: “Sleep! After I come down from the high of it all I’m usually completely exhausted and need to sleep for 10 hours.”

Source: InStyle

The promo tour for The Little Mermaid has officially kicked off, and the blue-carpet looks are everything we could want and more.

The world premiere for the live-action remake of the beloved Disney classic took place yesterday at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. The movie’s leading lady, Halle Bailey, arrived on the scene channeling her character, Princess Ariel, in a gorgeous molten blue gown from Valdrin Sahiti.

The glistening strapless dress featured a plunging neckline framed by two dramatically ruffled bustier panels that tapped into the night’s under-the-sea vibe, with its shape resembling, say, large seashells or the crest of a falling wave. The singer accessorized the standout look minimally, eschewing a necklace and simply opting for a pair of large diamond earrings and matching diamond rings.

On the beauty end of Bailey’s look, her long hair swept far below her waist and featured a simmering auburn red hue, not unlike that of Ariel’s crimson hair in the 1989 film. She finished off the look with glittering blue eye shadow and a sparkling teal manicure.

Picture: VALERIE MACON//GETTY IMAGES

Bailey made another splashy appearance at the Met Gala last Monday. At the time, the star walked the carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a jaw-dropping white Gucci ensemble consisting of a sparkling semi-sheer lace halter-neck gown and a dramatic ruffled cape.

Last year, she talked about her personal style journey in a joint interview with her older sister, Chloe Bailey, for Bazaar.com. “We’re just trying to embrace our skin from the inside out,” she said. “As I get older, I’m becoming more comfortable in my body and learning to embrace it.”

Source: Harpers Bazaar

Corina Mihaila Larpin

Originating from nets used to catch literal fish, the fishnet has been reimagined by everyone, from 1920s showgirls to 1980s rockers, becoming a tried-and-true wardrobe staple at the intersection of utility and sexiness. Now, we’re seeing fishnets making a comeback on the streets of New York Fashion Week.

It’s a trend that’s in line with the larger punk and ‘00s indie sleaze resurgence, but if fishnets feel too rockstar or too Tumblr for you, you can always try a style in a bright color, or try putting it somewhere on your body that’s not your legs: We’re seeing fishnet tops and dresses in pastel purple and bright orange, as well as the black fishnet bags.

Below, a few street style inspo pics, along with a few pieces to buy when you’re ready to try the trend out for yourself.

Picture: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

A fishnet top and tights paired with a Peter Do black blazer and YSL plateau black leather boots.

Source: Nylon

Corina Mihaila Larpin on December 04, 2022 in Miami, Florida. – GETTY IMAGES

While Y2K and ‘90s fashion have been big in recent years, ‘80s looks are also making a comeback — particularly for 2023. This year already feels bolder than in years past with bright geometric patterns, dance-inspired looks, and more of those oversized blazers (with or without shoulder pads). Thankfully, not everything is back from the ‘80s, but when it comes to bold, playful statement looks, expect to see a lot of ‘80s influence. Given that fashion often rolls through in 20 year cycles, it’s not surprising we’re seeing the ‘80s popping back up. After all, it’s been 40 years, which means whatever came back in the early ‘00s is coming back through again — but with a new spin. If you want to bring the ‘80s back while still being on-trend (or you’re simply curious), check out these looks.

Wear A Bold Oversized Blazer As A Dress

Who needs pants when you have an oversized blazer? Oversized blazers were a well-loved staple of the ‘80s and pair well with a miniskirt for a power look that’s both strong and sexy. Add a bright color to really pull it off.

Source: Forbes

Corina Mihaila Larpin – Milan Fashion Week
Multi layered: Strati di collane. Catenine, ciondoli e collane a pendolo adornano la scollatura.

La nostra selezione di gioielli, collane, bracciali e orecchini più belli e di tendenza. I modelli più glam e alla moda dalle collezioni e ospiti delle fashion weeks di Milano, New York e Parigi.

Questi gioielli segnano i nuovi trend autunno e inverno 2022/23.

Avanguardia è la parola che meglio descrive la collezione gioielli di Trussardi. Orecchini e collane multiforme rompono con le geometrie classiche del passato e propongono nuove forme e modelli in argento dall’aspetto futuristico.

Dolce&Gabbana e Schiaparelli inconfondibili. Oro, argento e pietre preziose decorano collane e gioielli dallo stile barocco.

L’etnico contemporaneo di Alberta Ferretti, collari choker con gioielli e pietre al centro.

Scorri la gallery per scoprire i gioielli e gli accessori dei migliori marchi della settimana della moda. Tutti i nuovi trend da non perdere.

Source: Alfemminile

Giving life to emotions through jewelry design: this is what Corina does with her brand of high jewelry, Stéfère. Her unique pieces have been spotted on the most important red carpets, but Corina does not forget her origins, the sincere passion for her work and the importance of sensitivity and sharing values with other people, even through jewelry. In our interview, she told us about this and her more iconic pieces!

What led you into jewelry design and how does your personal style influencee your design choices?

__________

Since I was very young, I had a passion for design and have always admired the beautiful things that surround me. Even as a child, I was very creative, crafty, and always loved to make things. My favorite aspect of the whole design process is coming up with an idea and actually creating it. Music and art are both hugely important to me. I have always found particular joy in jewels and have been endlessly fascinated by marvelously-colored gems of every kind. I feel especially blessed for being able to turn my passion into my profession.

Tell us about your brand: why is it called Stéfère and what inspires you the most?

__________

Stéfère is a Paris-based jewelry brand established in 2007 that is known for creating innovative designs that cater to both feminine elegance as well as avant-garde. The brand offers vibrant contemporary jewels with a nod to rock-and-roll glam, featuring floral, snake, star and skull motifs. Although it has only been in business for 12 years, the brand has paved its way to make a presence in the best stores of the world – Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Saks in the US and Maxfield. Stéfère is doing more than just jewelry, it is breaking the conventional image of what jewelry should be like and how it should be worn.

My former partner and best friend, Stephanie, named the brand using her initials. When I joined Stéfère in 2009, she asked me to change the name or to add mine, but I liked it the way it was, and I wanted to keep it like that. Even when I took over the company in 2014, I never thought of changing the name. Stephanie and I are still best friends.

My inspiration comes largely from my personal take on people, landscapes and objects around me. I get inspiration from traveling in different countries, inevitably exposing me to different cultures, insights, aromas… My son is also a main source of inspiration. He is only 13 years old and always offers me an entirely fresh perspective on things. My state of mind at any given point also hugely influences my creativity. I am a very sensitive person and find myself deeply affected by misery and poverty. Life is not just about five-star hotels and luxury living.

Your jewelry has been spotted a lot on the most important red carpets: who are some of the most memorable celebrity clients you have worked with and why?

__________

I enjoy working with each and every celebrity client. I am particularly proud of my recent collaboration with Cardi B and Thom Browne for the Met Gala. Working with such talented people is remarkable on its own, but the most memorable part of the entire experience was that we came up with the wildest imagination for jewels, and we made it into a reality, despite the time constraint. The end result was simply stunning – for once, rubies are not just some expensive stones, they deliver a message, they challenge the status quo, they express emotions. Being able to bring the rubies to life on such a big artist is a huge achievement for me, and it made me very proud. 

Having new breakthroughs in jewelry design doesn’t make me forget about my beginnings. I still remember clearly the skull earrings I designed at the start of my career. It wasn’t just a project, it was a journey. I had to make big changes to the earrings over and over again to make them wearable. But hard work pays off. It felt incredible when I saw Lady Gaga wearing them. 

What jewelry would you wear on: normal workday, red carpet, informal events.

__________

I wear a lot of jewelry every day, even just with jeans and t-shirts. You will never see me without accessories. For red carpets, I always wear a big necklace and a big bracelet, which I accessorize with a lot of rings and a big pair of earrings. I mix and match a lot. For informal events, I wear rings mostly, many of them, and earrings.

What’s your styling tip when it comes to jewelry?

__________

The way you wear your jewelry is really a reflection of the kind of person you are. While some stones are gorgeous in themselves, it is the person who wears them who truly brings them to life through the force of their own individuality. I think the beauty of my pieces is that they can be mixed together. Even if the style is different, they will work together in the same story. I want my jewelry to make people happy and for them to wear it every day with everything, from jeans to dresses. I don’t want them to keep it in the safe. It is made to enjoy.

Do you have a female model that inspires you?

__________

I have many female models that inspire me. All the people that get involved to help others in need, they are my role models. They don’t always have to be celebrities or well-known people to inspire me, for example, my sister, Doina Mihaila, also my partner at Stéfère, is a big role model to me. Some small acts of kindness by random people would be inspiring enough. If we talk about fashion, I like Anna Dello Russo a lot and Kate Moss. It is not only about style, but a mix of personality, sense of fashion and confidence.

Your book on the nightstand.

__________

“Billion Dollar Whale” by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope.

“I want my jewelry to make people happy and for them to wear it every day with everything, from jeans to dresses. I don’t want them to keep it in the safe. It is made to enjoy.”

Source: The Italian Reve

Picture: DANA & STEPHANE

I love a good jewelry piece and am constantly marveled by the beautiful creations that jewelry designers come up with on a daily basis. The world of jewelry is always changing, so I caught up with jewelry designer Corina Mihaila Larpin to see what the biggest trends are.

Larpin is currently the head designer at luxury jewelry brand Stefere, which has recently accumulated an impressive celebrity following. Beyonce, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Kylie Jenner are all notable fans of the brand.

For this year’s Met Gala, Sefere made a lasting impression with three custom pieces worn by three A-list celebrities on the red carpet. Larpin joined forces with designer Law Roach to produce a black diamond choker, matching black diamond earrings and a white diamond ring for Zendaya’s epic portrayal of Cinderella.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Zendaya attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue) – GETTY IMAGES FOR THE MET MUSEUM/VOGUE

She also collaborated with designer Thome Brown to construct 44k ruby nipples for Cardi B’s show stopping Met Gala look.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Cardi B attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue) – GETTY IMAGES FOR THE MET MUSEUM/VOGUE

Larpin added the perfect touch to Janelle Monae’s look with an architectural wrap around ring and matching two finger diamond rope ring by Stefere Jewelry. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Janelle Monae attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic) – FILMMAGIC

Aside from the Met Gala, the Stefere brand has been featured in Vogue, Italian Vogue, Time Magazine, and the cover of Vogue Espana. While also being sold at some of the most upscale retailers in the world such as Lane Crawford Hong Kong, Saks Fifth Avenue and Maxfield. 

Romania born, Larpin discovered her love for fashion and glamour early in life. She now resides in Hong Kong and she continues to find inspiration in different cultures and landscapes. She has always had an affinity for beautiful things and continues to make tremendous strides in the fashion industry. 

Check out what she had to say about what trends are huge right now in the jewelry world:

Corina Mihaila Larpin – DANA & STEPHANE

Intricate statement earrings are prominent this year, like chandeliers and line earrings. Also, never turn down a great pair of diamond studs. Use line earrings or diamond drop earrings to embrace your inner extra – they will look just as good with jeans and a t-shirt as they do with a glam night-out look. Statement earrings are the standout pieces of this season.

Chandelier Statement Earrings – STEFERE

I am still seeing chokers, chains and hoops earrings. Bold gold chains are a must have for 2019. Chains and links give a bold statement to your outfit. Oversized links, both bracelets and necklaces, are perfect statement accessories to complete your outfit.

Chain Link Bracelet – STEFERE

Ahead of the trend, I incorporated ear cuffs into my collection more than five years ago. In the beginning very few people believed that they would be successful. But, I was right. Ear cuffs steal all the attention on red carpets and magazine covers.

Ear Cuff – STEFERE

Pearls lend understated elegance to any wardrobe, but the latest 2019 jewelry trends suggest something more daring. I mix and match pearls with colored stones to add a playful touch for a chic, dynamic look.

Pearl Ring – STEFERE

A pair of hoops may sound overly simple for the extravagant trends we are seeing now, but sometimes a pair of sleek and simple hoops can complete flamboyant looks like no other.

Hoop Earrings – STEFERE

My petal collection is a great example for the trend of heavy layer rings. It is the best way to wear lots of jewelry and keep it effortlessly cool. It is all about being extra.

Petal Layering Ring – STEFERE

Statement rings are for people who appreciate the beauty and experience that objects can offer to help expresses one’s personality. This is why I try to bring strong symbolism to my jewels, representing values and sentiments. I have impactful four-finger rings in my collection that are not only expressive and powerful, but also great conversation starters.

Multi-Finger Statement Ring – STEFERE

Full-finger rings, like the Aurore Ring, are delicate and elegant, yet they can steal the show.

Full-Finger Ring – STEFERE

Even though I created the collection a long time ago, flowers are never out of fashion. Every season I add more to the collection. You can wear them with a simple outfit, or a very sophisticated nightgown, even for a fashion magazine photoshoot.

Flower Ring – STEFERE

For years, the snake collection has been on top of the client demand list, loved for the fluidity and the sense of movements in them.

Snake Ring – STEFERE

Can’t stress enough how dramatic the trend of palm bracelets is for 2019. Don’t just wear rings, that’s too conventional, go for palm bracelets.

Palm Bracelet – STEFERE

Source: Forbes

Corina Larpin – Picture: Markus and Koala (@markusandkoala) in collaboration with B. Akerlund (@bcompleted)

Hong Kong-based jeweller Corina Larpin is the founder of Stefere, in the spotlight recently for collaborating with designer Thom Browne on the 44-carat ruby nipple covers worn by Cardi B at this year’s Met Gala. Corina is also a newly-appointed committee member for Hong Kong’s Women of Hope charity, advocating change for social justice. Here, she shares what she loves most about the city.

Most memorable Hong Kong moment.

Everyday, I have memorable moments here in Hong Kong, but last year when I won the Women of Hope award for Entrepreneur of the Year was one of the most memorable for me.  

Favourite restaurants.

There are many. I like Zuma a lot, and Cipriani, and my favourite spot for lunch is Sevva, for the view and the food.

Unmissable markets.

I go to the Ladies Market in Kowloon and Stanley Market a lot when I want to get inspiration from people, and see what’s happening in day-to-day life.

Where to stay.

Repulse Bay – I live there and I love it. I feel like I’m on holiday every moment of the day. I walk on the beach, and stop to have a drink or for lunch. 

Best place for a drink.

I would say Sevva – when the weather is nice, the atmosphere is very cool.

Great spot for shopping.

Of course, Lane Crawford and Joyce.

Most mindblowing view.

From my home in Repulse Bay. Or from The Peninsula hotel where I lived for 7 years on the 23rd floor – the view at night time is amazing.

The city’s best-kept secret.

I haven’t found it yet. But we have a boat and I love discovering the island’s coastline.

Source: Vogue Hong Kong

Corina Larpin, founder of luxury jeweller, Stéfère, who lives in Hong Kong with husband, Christian, and son, Alex, says her life is blessed, which has inspired her to give back and help others. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

As you enter the spacious Repulse Bay flat of Corina Larpin, founder and head designer of luxury jeweller, Stéfère, you are likely to see a velvet tray of bejewelled accessories on display.

These edgy, highly complicated pieces have attracted an A-list clientele that includes Madonna, Pink, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Jane Fonda, Khloe Kardashian, Taylor Swift and Janet Jackson.

Corina Larpin, founder and head designer of luxury jeweller, Stéfère, inspects some of her brand’s collections at her home in Hong Kong. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

And business is growing. Larpin is always on the road – she was set to fly to Shanghai for meetings the day after the interview and – following a break in Vietnam – would be off to the US for another business trip.

“I work a lot, many hours a day,” she says. “Now I try to take one or two hours a day out for myself, but before I was pretty much working, working, working 20 hours a day, so I sleep very little.”

Yet since last year, she has also made time to help the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF) Cancer Fund raise money to support efforts to bring timely treatment to underprivileged cancer patients in Hong Kong.

Corina Larpin says she has taught her 13-year-old son, Alex, to give back to society and help others as much as he can. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

Larpin was named one of the 2018 Women of Hope (WOH), an awards scheme founded by HKAHF in 2014 to honour influential women in Hong Kong that advocate change for social justice.

“In 2016, my good friend Anna Treier [founder of Sense of Touch spas] told me about the organisation and introduced me to Jo Soo Tang,” she says.

Tang is the Chairman of Board of Governors (Stubbs Road), Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation.

“My husband, Christian, and I feel that we receive a lot in our life and we need to give back to society, help others as much as we can, and also to teach our son, Alex, to do the same.”

Corina Larpin sits at her desk, with a photo of her 13-year-old son, Alex, in front of her, as she works on new designs for her jewellery brand, Stéfère. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

Alex, 13, who is attending international school while keeping up with a gruelling tennis training schedule in preparation for a planned professional career, spends his spare time as a volunteer offering peer support to the children of underprivileged cancer patients.

He seems to share his mother’s innate determination and longing to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Corina, who was born and raised in Romania during the communist era, has never settled for the boundaries – even those laid down for her in her highly restricted home country.

“We were taught to look at the world in a certain way – that it is flat, it is just black and white, right and wrong,” she says.

“But the way I see the world is different – it is diverse, vibrant and colourful.

“I find people, landscapes, lights and scents captivating. My background gives me sensitive eyes to the interesting surroundings.”

Although Corina Larpin is always working and spends much of her time travelling the world on business, she still tries her best to make time for philanthropic endeavours. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

As a teenager, she was very interested in fashion and had already decided she wanted to be a jewellery designer – even when access to luxury goods, or information about them, was limited in the country.

“I remember that when I had my hands on Western fashion magazines back in Romania, I would tear out the pages and hide them in my secret drawers,” she says.

“Then I’d alter the clothes I had bought in state-run stores to make them look personal.”

As communism in Eastern Europe fell in 1989, Larpin decided it was time to travel to the West and see it for herself.

She was already the owner of a modelling agency and her work allowed her to connect with one of the world’s leading agencies, Elite Model Group, in Switzerland, where she would later relocate.

It was also in her adopted home where she founded Stéfère and first met Christian, who was Elite’s chairman at the time.

Business opportunities later prompted the couple to make Hong Kong another adopted home.

Corina Larpin, who was born and raised in communist Romania, says she was interested in fashion and wanted to be a jewellery designer while still a teenager. Photo: Markus and Koala, B. Akerlund (@bcompleted)

Larpin’s creativity and inclination to think outside the box are great assets for her work for HKAHF Cancer Fund – not to mention her global network.

As a committee member of WOH, she organises engaging charity events that raise not only funds, but also the foundation’s profile, including last March’s “2000s: David Bowie and Beyond” exhibition in Central, Hong Kong.

Well-heeled guests were given the opportunity to view a series of images celebrating the life and legacy of the late singer, taken by celebrity photographer Markus Klinko.

Stéfère is the official sponsor of this year’s WOH Awards.

Yet getting involved with HKAHF Cancer Fund was not a random decision by Larpin; she has first-hand experience of cancer being a deadly disease that can affect anyone, because her grandfather was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

“He had surgery, but he didn’t want chemotherapy so he just fought it with diet and the mindset,” she says.

“He had a house in the countryside with a lot of land and his garden with all the vegetables.

“Together with the love he got from the family, he lived for 20 years. His mind was very strong – he was a fighter.”

Corina Larpin says she believes a person’s mindset plays a big part in one’s well-being and education is key to better public health. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi

Larpin values the importance of a healthy lifestyle and tries to make time for exercise, including weekly Pilates workouts and swimming in the pool at the building where they live or at the hotels where she stays when travelling.

It also does not hurt that her husband is a good cook and loves to entertain at home.

However, as she learned from her grandfather, a person’s mindset plays a big part in one’s well-being, and she also believes that education is another key to better public health.

“I am stunned to see that our children learn a lot at school, but rarely [anything] about food, for instance,” Larpin says.

“As a mother, I am very sensitive about children’s well-being and, as a daughter, that of the elderly.”

With help from her sister, Didi – who is also her business partner – and staff at her company, based in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, Larpin has been able to expand Stéfère while involving herself with philanthropic endeavours.

She says she hopes to continue supporting HKAHF Cancer Fund.

“I enjoy a fabulous life, but unfortunately we are also surrounded by too many misfortunes – be it poverty, illness or war,” Larpin says.

“I never forget how blessed I am and it is my duty to give back as much as I can – not only in terms of money, but time and effort as well.”

Source: South China Morning Post